2022 Volkswagen Tiguan Engine Problems
51 owner-reported engine complaints from NHTSA data
Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
Owner Complaints (51)
Your Tiguan is burning through oil much faster than normal, requiring top-offs every few hundred miles despite following all recommended maintenance. The dealership confirmed the cylinder head is defective and causing this excessive oil consumption, but the replacement part is on national backorder with no available timeframe. This creates a safety risk because the engine could stall, lose power while driving, or seize if oil levels drop too quickly.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your car is burning oil quickly, requiring you to add a quart to a quart and a half of oil every 10 days. This excessive oil consumption suggests an internal engine issue that needs diagnosis. A mechanic will need to inspect your engine for leaks, worn seals, or internal wear that's causing the oil loss.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your engine's cylinder head has passages that are collecting excessive carbon buildup beyond normal wear, which can clog the passages and potentially cause engine failure. Your check engine light has come on with an emissions-related code, and both an independent mechanic and your VW dealer have confirmed this issue. The dealer has identified at least 4 other vehicles with the same problem in your area, and replacement cylinder heads are on back order. This could eventually cause your engine to fail while driving if not repaired.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your engine has been smoking since September or October, and your VW dealer says it needs new cylinder heads but has had you on a waiting list. The problem is getting worse—your low oil warning light recently came on because the engine is burning oil excessively. Since you have young children in the car regularly, this needs prompt attention. The repair will likely involve replacing the engine cylinder heads and addressing the oil consumption issue.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your engine is making abnormal noises from under the hood, and you've had to repeatedly add oil to keep it running normally—even though no warning lights appear on your dashboard. The dealer says this is normal behavior, but the problem has happened multiple times. The issue may stem from an oil leak or excessive oil consumption that needs to be identified and repaired.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your engine is consuming too much oil and producing smoke, which your dealer has indicated may be caused by a faulty cylinder head. The replacement part is currently backordered, leaving your car only partially functional while you wait. Depending on your warranty coverage and when the issue developed, the cylinder head replacement may or may not be covered. This repair will likely require removing and replacing the cylinder head assembly, which is a major engine repair.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Problem Description: 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan (VIN: [XXX] ) diagnosed with excessive oil consumption and coolant loss requiring cylinder head replacement. Vehicle at dealer since December 6, 2025, part on national backorder, estimated 6-7 more months wait (total downtime already ~1.5 months). Dealer advised retrieving car tomorrow and driving it while monitoring/adding oil and coolant as needed. This is unsafe: low oil risks engine seizure, low coolant risks overheating—either can cause sudden failure, stalling, or power loss while driving, creating crash risk (especially with my child as frequent passenger). Symptoms: frequent low oil warnings, coolant loss, check engine light, white smoke from tailpipe. Appears linked to known EA888 engine issues in recent Tiguans (ongoing class action on oil consumption). Request NHTSA review as potential safety defect, including repair delays amplifying risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
5 complaints about oil consumption, 3 check engine lights where had to pull over due to car not running properly. Vehicle putters upon acceleration. Replaced leak detection pump, intake and exhaust system stem seals, oil separator, auxiliary bracket and seal and EVAP sensor.
Due to a faulty PCV valve, the entire engine wiring harness needed to be replaced at 69,000 miles. The valve cover and camshafts were replaced, engine components were reassembled with mandatory bolts and gaskets. Lower timing cover was leaking on the passenger side due to the faulty PCV valve and the Caracole canister and leak detection pump. These were replaced along with the canister due to oil contamination. The EVAP lines were blown out and the N80 valve was replaced. As a result, the vehicle sustained $7,200 in repairs because of the damage to the engine due to the faulty PCV valve.
PCV failure that requires replacement of Cylinder head.
I had routine oil change. I picked up my car and immediately the red warning light came on. I called garage. They said it was PVC valve for high pressure. I fixed that. This is next routine oil change. Now the accessory bracket seal and oil cooler seal need to be repaired. My car only has 68,340k on it. I see there are many complaints on line about this issue.
The car puffs smoke out the tail pipes which leads to needing a new engine installed due to a mid yoke by Volkswagen. This is a common problem amongst 2022 vw that I’ve researched and found
Burning oil. Check oil level light was on and blue smoke coming from exhaust. Around 30,000.The dealer finally replaced valve stems and other extensive repair. My check engine light came on so they replaced the oil separator. Then a week later now my check engine light is back on. I’m going on the morning back to dealership tomorrow.
My vehicle has a known manufacturing defect issue that has already been addressed in a Volkswagen Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) which results in an oil consumption issue with 2022 and 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan models. Vehicle problem was confirmed and repaired once by dealership however same oil consumption issue has happened again that was confirmed by dealership. Dealership presently is unable to repair because necessary replacement parts are unavailable at this time.
VW Tiguan lost significant acceleration while driving on the highway. Vehicle check engine light came on. Felt like vehicle was going to stall and decelerated to a below highway required speed. Vehicle was inspected by a VW authorized service center and . Verified GFF found DTC's P0431, P04F0, P24D6, and P2101 were in fault mode. Significant oil leak also occurred. Failed component was crankcase pressure regulator and lower oil pan and gasket (due to increased pressure from failed PCV valve.) This was of great concern as the deceleration was significant while on the highway which could cause potential life threatening accidents.
The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption, which required the contact to add oil to the vehicle every 2 weeks. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 MPH, the contact noticed blue-colored smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the cam phaser was leaking oil and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving on a highway at 60 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated to 25 MPH. The Electronic Power Control system (EPC) warning light was illuminated, and the message "Max Engine Speed - 3,000 RPM" was displayed. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that it was a known failure; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
Subject: Vehicle Complaint – Excessive Oil Consumption and Potential Safety Risk To Whom It May Concern: I am writing to formally report an ongoing and concerning issue with my vehicle involving excessive oil consumption, which I believe poses both a mechanical defect and a potential safety risk to myself and others on the road. What Happened: The engine appears to be burning oil at an abnormally high rate, requiring top offs far more frequently than recommended under normal driving conditions. There is no visible external oil leak, and I have not modified the engine or used non-recommended oil. The component/system in question is the engine’s oil management system (including the piston rings, valve seals, or PCV system), and I am willing to make the vehicle available for inspection upon request. Safety Concern: This issue puts my safety at risk because: •I could unknowingly run the engine with dangerously low oil levels between regular oil changes. •This increases the chance of sudden engine failure while driving, particularly at highway speeds. •There’s also a fire risk if oil enters the combustion chamber or exhaust system. Inspection & Confirmation: The problem has been: •Reproduced and confirmed by flow Volkswagen of Greensboro during multiple service visits. •The dealership performed an oil consumption test, which showed the vehicle is consuming over the amount of quart(s) of oil per miles which exceeds industry norms. •The issue has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. Symptoms and Timeline: •The first symptoms (frequent oil warnings or low oil dipstick readings) began around the first two years. Since then, I’ve had to add oil as often as every 200 or more miles. A “Low Oil Pressure” warning light and/or message appeared at every 200 miles, requiring an immediate stop to avoid engine damage. •No prior accidents
I purchased this vehicle [XXX] and mileage was 78,921 at Hoover Volkswagen in Georgia. The carfax showed it had an oil change since the dealer had it in inventory. I drove the carfax showed about 2000 miles to 81,000 odometer miles and heard ticking noise so I checked the oil. It was 2 quarts low, I added 2 after calling the dealer and saying it’s my responsibility to top off the oil. I checked it again at appx 83,000 again it was 2 quarts low, I checked it at 85,000, 87,000, 89,000 and 90,000 each time it was 2 quarts low. I finally took it into the Hoover Volkswagen Dealership at appx 90,500 miles and traded it in for the oil consumption issue and lost $7000 because of tradein value of the oil consuming vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
This vehicle has excessive oil consumption. I purchased it certified pre-owned under the manufacturer warranty still in effect. It had 36,847 mikes in the odometer. Having an issue with a prior 2022 Tiquan I checked the oil at 39,000 mikes, it was 2 quarts low and I added 2 quarts, I checked it at 41,000 again it was low 2 quarts. I took it to the dealer with 41,132 miles and had the perform an oil change at Hoover Volkswagen. Then, I checked the oil at 43,000 it was 2 quarts low and added it , due to the bad customer satisfaction I had with my sale of this vehicle and trade I had I took the vehicle to Jim Ellis Volkswagen of Kennesaw what said to do consumption test. I started the process with 45,111 miles on the odometer . The vehicle has an oil consumption issue.
This vehicle has burned oil and needed regular additional oil fills between recommended oil change. We have taken the car to Volkswagen Northampton for regular oil changes who have never dealt with the oil leak or burning issue. As a result of this the car now at 64k miles needs a new engine. It has piston issues , timing belt issues, , communication modules between the eco and bmc issues, and cam shaft timing issues. Our mechanic is suggesting a new engine. VW of America will not assist us saying there is nothing they can do.
Vehicle began burning oil with no visible leaks, severe engine hesitation when accelerating from stop at 42k miles. VW dealer tested and advised oil consumption was below the 1.2 quarts every one thousand miles (6 quarts for each five thousand miles, I am at 3 quarts every five thousand miles). that VW allows for this particular issue (piston rings are know to have issues) but mine are not bad enough to be fixed under warranty. Replacement of the piston rings is a significant out of pocket expense when your is within the warranty period. I have since miled out of warranty. And they also declined to cover it under my extended warranty. The acceleration issue is dangerous as when commuting daily to work on a 3 lane highway, when the stop and go traffic goes, and i don't, this poses a hazard to myself and the other drivers. the hesitation can last 10-20 seconds and the the car jerks to speed. This must also be causing increased emissions.
Oil leak from PVC malfunction Causing stalling, over heating and a huge amount of oil consumption of vehicle. This poses a safety hazards for consumers who commute more than 25 miles to work , drs appts in rural areas etc. I have purchased well over $300USD in the last month on oil alone, taking away from house hold budgets and maintenance of said vehicle. The operant e of making home to our Family's as consumer priority and this is A MAJOR RISK. Made a used car purchase of a 22 Tig for my family and I( 2kids and an [XXX] elderly Grandmother). 3mnths with less than 60k miles INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Excessive oil consumption. Noticed oil consuming at abnormal rate about 1 1/2 years ago. Took it to dealership for diagnosis in July 2024 and was told Cylinder Head needed to be replaced. In the meantime, I was told to frequently check and refill oil as needed. The part was backordered until February 2025 when I went in again for replacement where the dealership completed additional diagnosis. It was decided the cylinder head did not need to be replaced and only the valve seals. These were replaced in February 2025. My oil light came back on after about 2,000 miles on April 30th, 2025. The oil was about a quart low. I topped it off. 3 weeks later the oil light came on again. I checked the oil level on May 24th and only the very tip of the dipstick had oil on it. I filled it up by 2 quarts. I contacted VW May 26th to schedule maintenance appt. On June 6th, I checked oil level again before driving to drop off my vehicle and the vehicle was a quart low.
My vehicles started to consume large quantities of oil. Although VW allows for 1.2 quarts per 1000 miles, putting oil in every 1500-1800 miles is very costly and is probably damaging my engine and increasing emission. The Atlas has the same problem and was the subject of a recall. They did a consumption test for free but said i was at an acceptable level. Driving over 500 miles a week for work is becoming very costly and my warranty period is ending soon.
I am experiencing excessive oil consumption in my Volkswagen Tiguan. I took my vehicle to one authorized dealership which diagnosed the issue as "pushed up" valve seals and recommended replacement. Seeking a second opinion at another authorized dealership, they diagnosed the problem as requiring a full cylinder head replacement. This significant discrepancy in diagnosis is concerning. I also experienced a significant delay in receiving critical service invoices (dated March 28th and April 14th, received on April 28th), raising concerns about timely notification of potential safety issues. Furthermore, I am aware of a publicly known class action lawsuit regarding excessive oil consumption in the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan, suggesting this may be a broader issue. My attempts to resolve this with Volkswagen of America have been unsuccessful, with representatives refusing to escalate my concerns and hanging up on me. The potential for misdiagnosis and inadequate repair of the excessive oil consumption issue could lead to severe engine damage, including stalling or seizure while driving, thus increasing the risk of an accident and jeopardizing the safety of myself and others. Furthermore, the significant delay in receiving important service invoices raises concerns that I may not be promptly informed of critical safety recalls or maintenance needs, further increasing the risk of operating an unsafe vehicle.
Upon first cranking the vehicle, vehicle has excessive stuttering while accelerating after driving forward. Occurs after car is parked for 1 hour or more most often. Uphill, downhill, flat all the same. Acceleration causes stuttering for the first few minutes of operations. If you do not disable the start stop feature, prolonged stops at red lights cause the same issue and can lead to serious dangerous pretense for accidents while on the roadway. You have no ability to accelerate out of the way of harm until it smooths out. There is also an intermittent engine light that flashes until engine restart but does not record a DTC code. I suspect foul play in the ECU from VW. They are aware and tracking this issue but offer no solutions. Dealers will not service without DTC code and then it’s not repaired still. This is a severe issue for owners. Issue present for nearly a year now with no resolve.
At roughly 750 mi, we got a notice the engine oil was low. As soon as we got home we took it to the dealership and they told us that oil burning was normal. Since December of 2021 we have taken the car to the dealership multiple times about this issue and they have refused to acknowledge there was a problem. Last week we took the car to another dealership and they tell us oil has destroyed the cylinders and other parts of the engine and we need to literally replace the entire engine.
The rate of oil consumption is very high. VW claims that the rate of consumption is within the 1200mile/liter limit, but 3500 miles after an oil change, the check engine oil light has come on again, with oil limits at the bottom of the dipstick.
Over consuming oil beyond specs
The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, there was an abnormal amount of white smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The check engine and oil warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the message "Add oil to the Engine” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the cylinder head needed to be replaced and that oil needed to be added every month due to excessive oil consumption. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.
These vehicles have a really bad throttle response when trying to accelerate from a stop making a turn into traffic. If you try to push the accelerator pedal to accelerate quickly there is a huge delay in the response which will almost cause you to get into an accident. Please investigate and have Volkswagen correct the issue. This is a common issue with 2020 and newer VW tiguan, and Taos and Volkswagen has done nothing to improve it.
After slowing down while driving, I pushed the gas pedal to continue with normal speed. Instead of picking up speed again, the RPM dropped, the car hesitated for a few seconds and than accelerated back to normal driving condition. In the meantime traffic was approaching from behind while I couldn't regain normal speed. Felt like I was stalled in yltraffic for a few seconds. Also, often while reversing from my driveway, than hitting D to go forward, the vehicle hesitates before it will move forward. I took it to the dealer . They could not duplicate the situation.
The engine stumbles. It performs unexpectedly just when you need power, and it's not there. Feel unsafe when making left turns and the engine lurks and lurches and does not transmit power making the left turn into traffic very unsafe.
The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he observed excessive smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. The low oil warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the valve steam seals. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who then diagnosed a failure with the fuel vapor leak detection pump. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 1,000.
My vehicle low oil light cane on and I had just had the oil changed less than 2,000 miles. Took it to local dealership, they stated 2 seals needed to be replaced, they replaced them and stated I should be good but check the oil every so often to make sure. 500 miles goes by I need at least 1 qt of oil, took it back to dealership now they say I need a whole new Head and it is a common problem. They have done about 3-4 in 2024! I feel like that's a safety concern but they don't.
The car has a severe hesitation when accelerating from the stop. This hesitation is dangerous in regard that when you try to accelerate from a stop sign into traffic, the car can sluggishly bog down exposing you to oncoming traffic. The issue is more severe after cold start, but can happen anytime. Has caused me to pull out in front of traffic many times only to bog down and nearly be in an accident.
Vehicle has been using oil since it has approx 15k miles. Engine now has 35000 miles and uses all of its engine oil before its next sched maint. Have told dealer numerous times, oil consumption test revealed it uses .61 quarts per 1000 miles, but this is normal per VW. What !?!?. VW states to change oil every 10,000 miles, it will be gone and engine will have no oil remaining within the sched maint. Have also contacted VW directly. Also blows blue smoke at start up at times. Engine is junk. Vehicle will have cost over $1000 per mile to own. Dealer and VW keep telling us to just check oil, its normal. I also own a 2003 pontiac vibe with 220k miles, it doesn't do this! I used to be an ASE certified mechanic. This is NOT normal. Car also has the typical hesitation on cold acceleration that is common (look it up), I will file separate complaint. And now p2402 code for an emissions issue. Problems adding up fast and no help from VW or VW dealers.
Car uses lots of oil between oil changes 1 1/2 quart in between suggested change intervals
Engine bucks and nearly stalls when accelerating mostly after cold start or if it’s been sitting for awhile. Will nearly stall when accelerating into an intersection even after it’s been driven for a block or two. Requires several minutes of driving before it will stop. Thought it was normal after reading all of the internet complaints, but definitely a safety situation. Wife doesn’t even like driving it due to this issue
This is an ongoing issue that occurs every time we drive the vehicle. The vehicle’s engine control software appears to have an issue, whereby the engine severely hesitates when attempting to accelerate from a stop. It’s bad enough that we worry the engine will stall, and we will be struck by oncoming vehicles. The issue generally only occurs when the engine has not yet reached operating temperature. Our VW has been at our dealership for months now, while we wait for a resolution. In the interim, the dealer gave us a free loaner, also a Tiguan (but it’s a 2023), and the loaner has the exact same issue. When pulling out from an intersection, I fear that someday the car will hesitate so bad that it causes an accident. I can only guess that the issue is with the software and not the fuel delivery system itself.
I am having a delay in acceleration on this car. Car hesitates badly. Feels like it just doesn’t want to go. And I have to be very careful when pulling out into traffic. Took it to dealership and they said there is no known fix for this issue, even though others have complained about the same problem.
Severe throttle lag. Has almost caused three accidents. When pulling into traffic there is a 1-2 second delay in acceleration after pressing the throttle. Seems to be worse in hot weather.
When the car engine is cold, upon first acceleration, the car hesitates badly and has the tendency to lunge forward. It feels like it may stall. When I say cold, I mean when the engine has cooled down. This does not have to do with outside temperature. It happens when it's warm outside as well and the engine has cooled down. This issue appeared when I first took ownership of the vehicle in July of 2022. This poses a serious injury risk when making turns with oncoming traffic. It hesitates to the point that oncoming traffic may hit my vehicle if there isn't enough room for them to stop in time. The vehicle was inspected by the dealer and they were able to recreate the issue. Unfortunately, they said this is a known issue and they can't do anything about it. Diagnostics did not report any failure codes and the car computer firmware is up to date. I am fearful for my life and whoever is in my vehicle. Please look into this issue. I've done some research and found other VW Tiguan owners who are experiencing the same hesitation and were told by the dealer as well that they can't fix the problem.
The car will not accelerate when cold, after it falls on it's nose when trying to accelerate, it then surges ahead. After the first few accelerations, it is fine. It is especially dangerous when we try to pull out of our home onto the busy street where we live. This has been an issue sine we bought the car and it seems to get worse with time. The dealer has tried to correct this problem with no success. The first time they said the could not duplicate he problem, the second time they said they adjusted the transmission, that made it worse.
The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the EPC warning light illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was towed to the dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 16,000.
When I leave somewhere it will “stall” very noticeably when giving it gas, to the point it won’t accelerate and feels like it’s not getting fuel for a second or two. It typically does it once and then drives normally. This happens almost daily and has done this since the car was bought new a few months ago. I have experienced this when pulling into traffic and the car not accelerating to get me up to a safe speed. It has not been inspected by a dealer at this time but several other owners of 2022 Tiguans are reporting the same issue. No warning lights are on or come on when the vehicle does this
I purchased a VW 2022 Tiguan I reported the acceleration issue to the sales person at Norm Reeves VW Englewood fl. and I was told the acceleration issue would work it self out because of low fuel and air was in the fuel line. I brought the car in for a service check with under 350 mile on the vehicle. I was told the issue can't be duplicated. and nothing was wrong with the car. The second service appointment for the same issue was approx 1100 miles later now the acceleration issue was more severe. The car now sometimes goes non responsive when making a turn left or right coasting into the turn and then you try to accelerate and the gas pedal does down and nothing happens then suddenly the turbo kicks and takes off and it's a very frightening and dangerous situation . This issue is an accident waiting to happen.
I recently purchased my 2022 VW Tiguan new and have a problem with it having a bad hesitation at acceleration. This happens every time at a cold start, as well as at a warm start if it it sat for a few minutes after turning off. It has a terrible lag and bucking, at which point I have to accelerate hard to get it to go forward. This is a brand new car so should not be having these issues. I had our VW service department look at it in Twin Falls Idaho and was told they couldn't find anything.
The car stumbles when cold, it will not accelerate. It does this for the first mile or two. Then it is OK. This has been happening for several months. The dealer says they hooked it up to their computer and can find no faults. It is very scary when trying to pull out into traffic or make a left turn into another street.
Vehicle jerks and bucks under acceleration when cold started and when moving from a stop light or sign. Hesitates when pulling out like it's attempting to locate a gear and throttle is unresponsive at first, then kicks in suddenly.